To:
Bridgeport Mayor, Joe Ganim

Justice for Jayson: Demand an End to Police Terror in Bridgeport

We demand that James Boulay and police chief AJ Perez be removed from the force immediately. James Boulay murdered an unarmed teenager 5 months after being sued for excessive use of force following a high speed pursuit, As chief of police, AJ Perez has stood by the rampant impunity and violence of his officers. He has done nothing to change his department’s practices even as his officers have continued to engage in dangerous high speed pursuits like the one that killed 61-year-old Susan Tomcyzk, and seriously injured two other bystanders on August 10th. Neighbors reported that even when they are not chasing suspects, police have been known to drive down their residential street at speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour.

We demand that all officers at the scene of the negligent death of Jayson Negron and the critical injury of Julian Fyffe be placed on unpaid leave, pending an independent and thorough investigation.

We demand that all evidence and information from the events of that day be released to Jayson’s family and the public, including the personnel files of all officers involved, all videos of the incident, documentation of when the shooting occurred and when emergency medical personnel were called, and the autopsy report. We demand full transparency in the investigation into Jayson’s death.

We demand the Bridgeport PD stop engaging its citizens in high speed chases. These tactics put communities in unjustifiable danger.

We demand that every officer in the Bridgeport PD be sufficiently trained in de-escalation and non-lethal tactics. This begins with the next training.

We demand the Bridgeport PD stop making statements that predetermine the outcome of an investigation, skew public opinion on a case, or cast victims of police brutality as criminal, all before an independent investigation has been carried through. In the aftermath of Jayson’s murder, the police insisted the vehicle he and Julian were driving had been stolen, using unproven accusations to tarnish Jayson and Julian and public opinion towards them.

Why is this important?

On May 9th, 2017, 15 year-old Jayson Negron was fatally shot by Bridgeport police. In its initial account, officers claimed that Jayson had been shot in the head and died instantly at the scene. In truth, it appears that he was shot in the chest, handcuffed, laid atop his wounds, and left to bleed out on the pavement where his body remained for 6 hours. Multiple pedestrians were witnesses of this horrific act.
Facing community outrage, Chief A.J. Perez and Mayor Joe Ganim expressed regret that Jayson's body was left in the street for 6 hours. At the same time, they have maintained their support for officers who shot an unarmed teen and left him handcuffed atop his wounds to die.
On July 26th, the Bridgeport PD invited members of the press to see a demonstration of fatality shields, which would be used to hide bodies from public view. Meanwhile, they have continued to engage in dangerous high speed pursuits like the one that killed 61-year-old Susan Tomcyzk, and seriously injured two other bystanders on August 10th. Neighbors reported that even when they are not chasing suspects, police have been known to drive down their residential street at speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour.
When Bridgeport police take action to shield the evidence of their brutality from public view and, at the same time, continue engaging in high speed chases that put community members at risk we question the department's commitment to public safety and respect for a community in mourning.
For these reasons, we have updated our list of demands, including a call for the immediate removal of Officer Boulay and Chief Perez from the Bridgeport Police force.
Bridgeport’s experience with police violence is shared by cities across Connecticut and the United States. This pattern of state sanctioned violence is a manifestation of institutional racism and white supremacy and must be stopped immediately.
We demand that police brutality and murder end now in Bridgeport. The Bridgeport Police Department will be held accountable to this outcome.
Please join us as we seek justice for Jayson Negron and an end to police terror in Bridgeport.

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Reasons for signing

We demand that the parents should apologize to the public, police, and the owner of the Subaru for Jayson's actions. He could have had a great life if he did not go down the wrong road, vehicle theft. PARENTS WAKE UP! Love your kids and help them choose the right direction in life instead of finger pointing.

wedemand j.
2018-01-28 14:41:09 -0800

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Sorry for his death that he caused by his own actions. If only his parents taught him to respect others, this would not have happened.

Policesupport A.
2018-01-27 07:10:14 -0800

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Parents must teach their children to respect others. Not stealing cars and almost harming other. Parents do you know where your kids are?